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An authority given to some official person to Institute an inquiry, concerning the crown's interests. … [Read more...] about INQUIRENDO

(A) Change of a thing established for something new. 2. Innovations are said to be dangerous, as likely to unsettle the common law. Certainly no innovations ought to be made by the courts, but as every thing human, is mutable, no legislation can be, or ought to be immutable; changes are required by the alteration of circumstances; amendments, by the imperfections of all human … [Read more...] about INNOVATION

The writ of inquiry is a judicial process addressed to the sheriff of the county in which the venue is laid, stating the former proceedings in the action, and, "because it is unknown what damages the plaintiff has sustained," commanding the sheriff that, by the oath of twelve men of his county, he diligently inquire into the same, and return the inquisition Into court. This … [Read more...] about INQUIRY

In old English law. To purge one of a fault and make him Innocent. … [Read more...] about INNOXIARE

In old English law. An inquisition or inquest. Inquisitio post mortem, an inquisition after death. An Inquest of office held, during the continuance of the military tenures, upon the death of every one of the king's tenants, to inquire of what lands he died seised, who was his heir, and of what age, in order to entitle the king to his marriage, wardship, relief, primer seisin, … [Read more...] about INQUISITIO